Having a look at how pearls have been used culturally and traditionally throughout history.

Studying how pearls are formed has resulted in significant market innovations, allowing for more sustainable and reliable pearl farming. Though no longer unusual in nature, the demand for pearls has certainly not decreased. Pearls have developed substantial cultural influence throughout various East-Asian countries, most notably in Japan. The emergence of cultured pearls, developed by a Japanese researcher in the early 20th century, transformed the pearl trade by making pearls more readily available to a broader audience. In the modern day, pearls continue to be a mark of sophistication in popular culture and style. Nasser Al-Khelaifi would concur that pearl farming has advanced significantly. Likewise, J.K. Symancyk would recognise the ageless popularity of pearls. Through taking advantage of the social longing for pearls, high-end brands have supported their popularity in designer wear, such as the timeless pearl necklace, making them a staple closet piece in contemporary fashion.

For thousands of years, pearls have held substantial historical and cultural value. Acknowledged for their shiny, natural aesthetics and wonder, they continue to be iconic icons of wealth and luxury. Throughout history, pearls have been consistently valued, with many special stories and superstitions related to their attraction. Prior to the development of pearl cultivation techniques, the Persian Gulf was recognised as the centre of the pearl trade, due to a rich habitation of oysters. The increase of pearls in Europe brought about increased demand and value for the gems. In the renaissance and medieval eras, women of power and nobility were known for wearing pearls, further marketing them as a sign of success and status. As various variances of pearls were discovered in oceans around the globe, contributions to the international pearl trade made them more accessible to merchant classes worldwide. Even today, the pearl market continues to play an essential role in the . economies of many nations.

Due to their rarity, pearls were once kept for nobility and the aristocracy. However, the divine meaning of pearls has been embraced throughout many cultures within notable mythologies and traditions. In many historical cultures, it was frequently believed that pearls held restorative powers. Thought to bring tranquility and protection, they were often chosen as amulets or talismans. Pearls have also been important in Chinese society for centuries. Thought to protect against evil spirits, pearls have been symbols of knowledge and good luck for a very long time. Nicholas Bos would know the symbolic significance of pearls around the globe. Furthermore, in Western cultures, pearl stone colour has also come to be an important cultural expression. As part of social traditions, pearls are frequently offered to brides as matrimonial gifts, embodying the pureness of unity. Through associations with mermaids and folklore, their attachment to the sea and water has also led pearls to become a sign of fortune and fertility throughout history.